'Won't give character certificate for pathetic COVID preparedness': SC to Manipur govt

On Monday, Supreme Court reproached Manipur government over “patic” conditions of quarantine centres for COVID-19 patients said it would not give a "character certificate to government." Stating that High Courts were in charge of ensuring justice during pandemic, top court refused to interfere with orders passed against State government.

A bench of Justice DY Chandrachud, Vikram Nath and Hima Kohli, was hearing an appeal of Manipur government against two orders passed by Manipur High Court last year over a PIL seeking better facilities at hospitals and quarantine centres.

“We are not going to give you a character certificate. High Courts were bastions of ensuring justice during COVID-19 period. Sorry, we are not going to interfere with orders,” bench said, dismissing plea.

Appearing for state government, vocate Pukhrambam Ramesh Kumar argued that orders were passed by High Court were not feasible.

“Your facilities at COVID-19 centres were patic. You did not have separate bathrooms for men and women. Even bedrolls were changed after 15 days. re were no doctors’ visits to quarantine centres. High Court has passed a very much calibrated and restraining orders, we are not going to interfere with m,” SC bench said.

High Court h ruled on July 16, 2020, that State Government shall consider constituting various expert committees, in all major Departments to collect information, relevant data, discuss with stakeholders including farmers, entrepreneurs, workers and assess impact of COVID-19 crisis. committees could n submit ir reports with suggested remedial measures to State Government so that an effective action plan could be prepared.

HC pulls up Manipur Govt

court h directed Manipur Government to share all relevant information, without any discrimination, with general public relating to any action taken towards combating COVID-19 crisis including expenditure of public money, infrastructure, manpower, facilities in quarantine centres and in particular, institutional quarantine centres.

High Court has also directed Government to frame exhaustive rules and regulations to regulate its functioning in fighting pandemic and modify suitably existing SOP, depending upon change of circumstances.

It h asked Manipur Human Rights Commission to submit its bill to State Government towards expenditure incurred by it while conducting spot inquiry.

(With inputs from agency)

(Image: ANI/Representative)